Style Sphere

2009-11-29T03:32:00.006Z

ARIELLE DE PINTO

Canadian designer Arielle de Pinto first caught my attention when her accessories collection was snapped up by Dover street market in London last year. De Pinto a fine arts graduate of Concordia University in Montreal has no formal education in jewellery design, however this didn't stop her from fashioning metal together as a means of thread in creating her unique crocheted concoctions.Her hand crocheted accessories are beyond beautiful, since living in Montreal I want a piece of that action, when the time arises that I can afford one at least.I bumped into a friend of hers at a sample sale and I just wanted to snatch the very piece that she was wearing, it had the most fascinating chunky charms attached to the delicate metal which gave the design an extra toughness.Her astounding designs can be found at Reborn, DSM, V-Store, Kokon To Zai and Apartment.

2009-11-26T00:25:00.004Z

REBORN WAREHOUSE SALE

Reborn store in Montreal is having a sample and warehouse sale this weekend. It's going to be a giant sale with prices slashed on an array of cult labels including; Acne, Cheap Monday, Filippa K, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and many more.I shall be working at the sale so drop by and shop this fantastic event!

2009-11-03T20:27:00.005Z

m0851 Alpaca Snood

Alexander Wang Coat Reborn Store

Michael Kors Biker Wellingtons

THE WINTER WISHLIST

It's not cold just yet but it is scheduled to snow this Thursday in Montréal. I'm not prepared; I'm still wearing an insubstantial blazer and vintage boots. My only winter wear here consists of a cashmere wrap, a pair of cheap (magic!) gloves and a Kangol Russian hat. So, I have been browsing the beautiful stores of Montreal and here comes my wishlist for that winter chill just around the corner, well the under layer at least.Brrrrr.

Fur Ear Muffs Unicorn Store

2009-10-30T21:13:00.012Z

THE LADIES OF VINTAGE

Vintage, vintage, vintage, there is no escaping the lure of vintage clothing in Montréal. Well I certainly can't walk down the street without dipping into one of the treasure troves along the boulevard Saint Laurent or the Plateau quartiers.The first of my vintage escapades began with a street invite to check out "The ladies of vintage" special one day sale which was taking place in a popular local gallery. All the ladies inside were dressed in their vintage attire and some went over board just for the fun of the day.There was lots of trying on and laughter and the usual discussions about how wonderful a certain piece with each vendor pondering the thought of parting with their one off pieces. There was no pressure to buy just to enjoy and have fun amongst the beautiful finds they collected.It was all very inexpensive compared to the European vintage market. There were delicate silk lingerie nightgowns for $20, a pair of YSL- esque gate boots for a mere 35 bucks and a mint condition glass beaded bolero for $40. All the jewellery was between $10 and $20 despite its possible value.I allowed myself to purchase two pieces (I'm supposed to be budgeting!).
One vendor was donating her end of sale goods to a centre for homeless women which was very generous.It was nice to see them have their Saturday fun, dress up, and just make a day out of it.Nice work ladies.

2009-10-29T22:14:00.016Z

BLOWN AWAY BY BARILÀ

(c)Jimmy Hamelin

As the title of this blog posting implies, I was pretty impressed with my first fashion show in Montréal.It was certainly nice to see a bombardment of colour explode onto the catwalk, a far cry from the bitter weather outside, and the parade of winter woollies clogging up the streets already.The show began with a welcome outburst of colours onto the catwalk, models rocked to the music sporting scarlet red lipstick,backcombed bouffants adorned with giant flowers against the backdrop of acid bright ensembles. It was all very playful in line with the designers 1950's theme.Inspiration derived from the continually inspiring Grey Gardens movie. The models certainly played up to the characters of Edith and little Edie Beale, as they tossed their big hair and flung off their cascading heals on the very slippy rose strewn catwalk.I have never encountered so many happy -go -lucky models with genuine smiles.It was refreshing and enhanced the theme of the swinging fifties.

But this is definitely a fun collection and not for the faint hearted, playsuits, high waisted shorts,vegan leather, and cropped t-shirts were the prevailing styles.But for those that like to wear clothes that put them in a better mood then this is the collection for you, it oozed joie de vivre.Several journalists reported that this was by far the most jovial fashion show of Montréal Fashion Week.What's more it is all produced ethically.Félicitations Barilà!

2009-10-27T19:56:00.014Z

SEMAINE DE MODE MONTRÉAL

It has been quite some time since I made a blog entry but it is all in the name of an adequate enough reason. I was busy planning my big move to Montréal the fashion hub of North America. I arrived just little over a month ago and I was lucky enough to catch fashion week here and compile my little bits of research about what’s hot in this ubër stylish city.

Fashion week was very impressive here, it was held in the beautiful Marché Bonsecours, situated in the Vieux Port of the city. The fashion week staff were very helpful and welcoming to the new Irish girl in the city! They gave me a media pass therefore I was able to gain access to Le Showroom and view the collections as well as chat with the Montreal based designers. I was also lucky enough to catch a conference about Berlin fashion called “Berlin en route to becoming a fashion metropolis” (I thought Berliners already had that one established!).

The first designer I encountered was called Valerie Dumaine, I detoured over to her collection when a very graphic print dress caught my eye. In addition, she was very welcoming and was delighted to talk me through her collection. She directed me to visit two stores in Montréal which she highly recommended as having strong concepts and cutting edge design. Reborn in the old port was her first suggestion, I had heard about this store before arriving here because it stocks a large selection of avant garde European designers. Unicorn on Boulevard Saint Laurent was her second recommendation.

Next up I checked out Eve Gravel who had a very feminine collection of floral summer skirts and tops adorned with bows, ruffles and came in a colour palette of nude, whites and stone. I will have to venture over to Unicorn store to view her current winter collection and continue my search for a super warm but equally stylish winter coat.

Barilà was next port of call, a very soft leather dress stood out in the collection. Sabrina one part of the sister design duo, informed me that it was vegan leather but it was from their current collection. The SS/10 collection was being ushered off in time for their fashion show that evening, which she kindly invited me to. I happily attended the show to see more from this wonderful collection. The Barilà show will be reviewed in my next blog entry. TBC.

2009-07-03T19:21:00.015+01:00

SALE SPREE

Acne Duchess dress now €120

Ossie Clark(Matches) t-shirt now €52

It's that time of year again when one can't help but check out all the gorgeous new AW/09 looks appearing all over our favourite online stores. I have already written a wish list from the Acne and Matches online store alone. However it is worth diverting your eyes away just for a little longer, as there is a feast of sales cropping up across some of the most exciting, and independent online stores such as: Farfetch, Tresbienshop,Branten, Scouthestore, Matches, Doshaburi, Ok-ni and Surface to Air. There are bargains galore on all these sites with some items slashed to 70%.I have put together a little selection of treats to choose from. Browse and shop to your hearts content and remember to acknowledge the fact that you are supporting the independent designers which these online boutiques promote. I hope I have inspired some online shopping sprees.

Martin Margiela blazer (Tresbienshop) now €208

Tsumori Chisato dress (Tresbienshop) now €305

Beyond the Valley Jacket (Farfetch) now €180

JC de Castelbajac dress (Farfetch) now €70

Tsumori Chisato cuff (Farfetch) now €71

Henrik Vibskov shirt (Scouthestore) now €90

Henrik Vibskov Vest (Scouthestore) now €105

Diana Orving dress (Scouthestore) now €55

Comme Des Garconnes jacket (Farfetch) now €486

Bernhard Willhelm dress (Farfetch) now €350

2009-07-02T20:21:00.009+01:00

Ode to a Style Icon

Everything Michael Jackson put on his back had an iconic significance.It's difficult to know where to begin or which decade to choose from. The red leather jacket from Thriller always triggered something in me, and is one image that remains in my mind, perhaps it was the fact that I was petrified of the video as a child.I will also always remember MJ in his white socks and shiney patent shoes.The most impressive piece from recent times has to be the Givenchy studded gold jacket which Mary Kate Olsen also sported.In my ode to MJ I would like to Thank him for inspiring three decades of experimental fashion.

2009-07-02T14:34:00.010+01:00

A MEDIOCRE SUCCESS

Mediocre Success is designed for those of us that like our accessories to be simple, functional, and above all tactile. These days there is such an abundance of clutter surrounding our lives that it becomes useful to compartmentalise our belongings in order to be organised. Mediocre Success does just that, by providing intricately designed pieces for storing and wrapping up, all the important bits in your handbag. Mediocre Success is designed by the savvy Swiss native Eveline Erni who studied fashion design in Milan and has since worked as a stylist for various menswear labels. It is stocked in select concept stores such as The Hunter in Berlin and Vestibule in Zurich. She creates everything from wallets, travel holders, vanity bags, to i-phone holders, USB-stick holders and passport pouches. I met up with Eveline in Dublin while she was working as a costume designer on a short film. Below she tells us a little more about her design background and her decision to follow the accessories route of design practice.

Style-Sphere: Where did the name Mediocre Success originate?Eveline: I was looking for a name that encourages one to think about what lies beneath the brand - it had to be a name that could stand for any kind of product. Mediocre Success, sounds confusing because it has negative attributes so I figured it would be the best name ever!

Style-Sphere: What is your design background and how did you decide to enter into the realm of accessory design?Eveline: I studied fashion design and received a scholarship for a leather accessories course. Following my studies in Milan, I worked for several years for other companies in this particular area. I then realised that I had sufficient experience to launch my own label. I believe that the design process is all about your passion.

Style-Sphere: What accessories designer to you admire the most and why?Eveline: I truly admire all accessory designers who possess a strong conceptional approach to design such as, Maison Martin Margiela or Costume National.

Style-Sphere: If you had the choice to stock Mediocre Success within any store in the world, where would you choose?
Eveline: I would have to choose stores which carry a clear statement and believe in promoting a strong concept such as: Park in Vienna, Circus Store in Dublin, Frip in Milan or Merci in Paris.

Style-Sphere: What are your future aspirations for Mediocre Success?
Eveline: I would hope that Mediocre Success will become recognised as a label with a unique style and a design aesthetic that highlights individuality and functionality.

http://www.mediocresuccess.com/

2009-06-25T14:56:00.007+01:00

ALEXA IN WONDERLAND

By a reader and fellow bloggers request I am devoting a blog post over to style icon of the moment Alexa Chung. I don’t normally follow celebrity fashionistas bar Chloe Sevigny, but I must admit that Alexa is one heck of a clothes hanger. She can transform the simplest Breton top into the trendiest piece of the season, and she is indeed the girl who revamped this trend. Her exotic looks which stem from a British mother and Chinese Father can transcend every look from grunge, classic tomboy, to quintessential British chic, and couture. She has proved herself to be quite the style chameleon and holds as much esteem in the style stakes as long standing style superiors Chloë Sevigny and Kate Moss. Below are my top 8 Alexa looks.

1st Image: Alexa graces the front page of French Jalouse magazine.
2nd Image: Attending a Chanel fashion show in an Isabel Marant Paddington jacket.
3rd Image: Sporting a Breton top and Hunter Wellingtons at a festival.
4th Image: British Chic on the streets of London.
5th Image: Preppy and perfect in a Burberry Trenchcoat.
6th Image: Supporting British fashion designers in a nude dress by Poltock & Walsh.
7th Image: Looking frou frou in a Luella frock.
8th Image: Romantic and beautiful in couture Giambatista Valli for Harpers Bazaar magazine.

2009-06-19T19:22:00.003+01:00

LOVELY BLOG AWARD

I was so enamoured to receive this blog award from Miss Milki who writes the fantastic blog missmilki.blogspot. It's always nice to get some recognition from a fellow blogger. Apologies that it has taken me this long to respond!Thanks Style-Sphere.X

2009-06-18T16:36:00.010+01:00

OPENING CEREMONY FEVER

I have Opening Ceremony fever at the minute, I love the selection that Très Bien Shop are selling at their online site. This cobalt blue dress is a particular favourite, I love the unexpected split at the back and the simple, linear design of the dress. It would look great teamed with the Opening Ceremony flare trench and the corset tied shoe boots also featured here. It was their collaboration with style maverick Chloë Sevigny back in 1998 that sparked off my interest with the brand. The ingenious collaboration continues with Sevigny creating a line of menswear pieces for AW/09.

2009-06-16T20:17:00.014+01:00

POSTER OF A BOY

Darragh Shanahan is the Jack of all artistic trades; drummer, photographer, and creative director to name just a few of his career endeavours. He forms one part of the über cool band Dark Room Notes who are presently taking these shores and beyond by storm. He is also the photographer responsible for capturing Style-Sphere’s blog profile photograph and therein lies the story of how we first met and collaborated. One random night, after an even more random chat, we decided upon doing a fashion shoot together. A date was set and a meeting point decided upon. The spontaneity of our first collaboration developed over pints outside a Dublin nightclub. I provided the face, the fashion, and the theatre, while he came equipped with a snazzy vintage camera, charisma, a pair of ray-bans, and a box of smokes. I showed up at the shoot armed with costumes in superpower colours of gold, royal blue, and red á la Wonder Woman. Below Darragh discusses the symbiotic relationship between fashion and music and shares his precious style notes with us.

Style-Sphere: Earliest fashion memory?

Darragh: Probably getting a school uniform, I can remember asking my mother to take in my trousers so they were drain pipes, they're the first item I had any influence on changing how it fit me. There was also a yellow t-shirt with a cartoon rodeo on it I had as a young boy, I set fire to it and myself while playing with matches, I actually told the Garda that I was attacked and they went looking for this guy I called Joxer Lawlor, I'm scared for life.

Style-Sphere: Who are your style icons and how do they influence the way in which you dress?

Darragh: Everything is a style influence to me but probably film would be my biggest style icon. Watching how people interpret an era or watching some contemporary piece (check out The Jacques Cousteau Odyssey) is a great source to remind me that fashion is a language is so many ways.

Style-Sphere: Has your personal style evolved since the early days of Dark Room Notes?
Darragh: I've always been a one for natural selection, I'm a warrior, I don't shop a lot so my experiences bring clothes to me, and the people I meet share a lot. So if you start hanging around with a band it changes things, you meet designers like Pete Reddy who has been wonderful with his cast offs, Arran from the band showed me a new way to look at colour, the stage brought drama, the road brought the need for comfort, the photo shoots brought character and writing about it brings reflection, I've rediscovered nudity.

Style-Sphere: How would you describe the overall image of DRN?Darragh: It's evolving.

Style-Sphere: What has been the most outlandish outfit you have worn while performing in DRN?
Darragh: Green eyeliner, Mohawk dusted with green eye liner, a black Perspex magpie silhouette on a chain around my neck with a leaf going through the nadir, black Speedos, karate shoes called Men Shoes that have white cotton soles and a smile.

Style-Sphere: The latest video 'Shake Shake my Ceiling' set in Berlin follows you on your dancing journey through the city of Berlin wearing a pair of very slick shoes. Tell us about your look in that video and your reason for choosing to shoot in Berlin? Darragh: I am a big fan of scarves, gloves, hats, shoes and sun glasses for the reasons I talked about in your icons question. Over time I've put them together in different ways, certain combinations stick with me. Berlin was selected because of the director Rory Breslihin, he wanted to shoot in this bar called Dr Pongs. So we did, and the idea wasn't working, but for a few weeks before we left I couldn't stop dancing to that song and just for a laugh Rory agreed to dance around Berlin with me. You should see the out takes! x

2009-06-04T21:03:00.018+01:00

PUCES Á PARIS

Style-Sphere has taken an extended holiday recently but promises to be back in action with some interesting style musings once the glorious sunshine departs these shores. However, I will devote a post to my longstanding Puces préfèré Marché de Vanves which I revisited recently in Paris.

Puces de Vanves located in the south east of Paris is the third biggest and in my opinion the best flea market that Paris has to offer. The beauty of Vanves lies in its ability to capture all the charm, whit, customs, and eccentricity of the French all in the one Sunday morning visit.

Wading through Vanves every onlooker is treated to a tranche de vie of French flea market culture . Two Vendors enjoy a game of chess behind their stall, a man wearing a sailor cap plays a piano at the other end of the street, while a crazy couple fumble over a bottle of Bordeaux in between two children playing hopscotch with an old cigarette tin. I on the other hand, camera in hand, am interrupted from my gaze by an homme Francais asking me to take his portrait, 'j’étais un mannequin' he jovially informs me. He proceeds to pawn off a hideous dress to me telling me that the colours are 'super bonne' pour les Rousses (redhead en français).

Vides Greniers which literally translates as an attic clearout is commonplace in Paris, it always occurs to me that French folk must be natural born hoarders, unlike us Irish counterparts who decided to throw everything out during the sixties. One tradition the French do uphold is to keep every odd toy, book, and delph as well as various other obscure objects that tickle take their fancy. An entire stall was devoted to vintage keyrings and another to antique buttons. Irish people tend to have a more ‘out with the old, in with the new kind of attitude, we aren‘t natural born hoarders like the French.

Get thee to a French flea market and rummage to your hearts content. One word of advice don’t leave behind mint condition Chanel shoes.

All photos by Style-Sphere (c)

Metro: Porte de Vanves
Ouvert: 07h-13h

2009-05-19T23:56:00.013+01:00

INTRODUCING: ARTIST DARKO DRAGICEVIC

On my first encounter with the artist Darko Dragicevic he was wearing a fantastic Bernhard Willhelm check shirt and shopping for some Henrik Vibskov pieces. For Darko, clothes aren’t merely clothes but art in themselves and his interest in fashion lies far beyond the scope of a fondness for good design aesthetics. He prefers fashion that has a strong concept, an impacting ethos, and above all he admires designers who are multifaceted like design genius Henrik Vibskov. (C)Branka Dutina.

A native of Belgrade, Darko attended the New York film academy and his work as a film director in several different projects brought him back to Europe where he currently resides in Berlin. Darko devised the ‘Taste of Life’ exhibit in New York in 2007, the exhibit consists of 12 video pieces which are followed by 12 tracks and 12 pages from a selection of published works. The principal plot concerns time and physical absence in the domestic space such as ‘the apartment in the big city’. Under the name SCHNITT, Darko along with Berlin based architect Branka Dutina, organised and facilitated the ‘Taste of Life’ exhibit in and around Berlin. The moveable exhibit took place within a camper van positioned in various locations around Berlin. The exhibit is scheduled to wander further afield in the coming months. Below is an interview with the artist.

Style-Sphere: How did you conceive the idea for the 'Taste of Life' exhibition?
Darko: By observing what was going on in the boxes being called the apartments in the big cities…At the time I used to live in New York, so the concept of the space and everything that’s been happening inside of it was more dramatic than now. Then when I came to Berlin the idea of the videos was adopted to this place and it slightly changed. Many new things were born inside of SCHNITT, in collaboration with the Exhibit Architect Branka Dutina.

Style-Sphere: Has living in Berlin changed your overall outlook in your work ?
Darko: No, I wouldn‘t say so. The basics will always remain the same. My work is who I am and I don‘t believe that people change.

Style-Sphere: What element of the Berlin lifestyle has mostly influenced your development as an artist?
Darko: It’s structure. Buildings and people. It’s past. It’s landscape of diversities.

Style-Sphere: 'Taste of Life' is essentially a mobile exhibition, what places do you aspire to travel to next?
Darko: Places that would bring something new to the ‘Taste Of Life‘. Places with a completely different landscapes or social structures.Places where I could have a byte of something unexpected.

Style-Sphere: 'Taste of Life' took place in a camper van. Whilst living within the exhibition, what music did you play the most? what food did you eat? and what did you wear?
Darko: Apart from the music used for the videos, I was mostly listening to Cat Power, David Bowie, Bebi Dol, M83 and Bach played by Glenn Gould. I was eating whatever I had in the van or what my friends would bring over. That was always a surprise! The clothes I wore weren’t that impressive as I’ve mostly had to think about how cold it was both outside and inside (the doors were open for the visitors). It was always the same: military coat, scarf and hat, pants or jeans and warm shoes.

Style-Sphere: How would you describe Berlin in three words?
Darko:Bad news!Good news!Bad news!

The Summer Dream Dress

2009-05-10T17:47:00.003+01:00

A few months back, I spotted this Barabara Hulanicki for Topshop dress in Vogue and decided in the colds of winter that it was going to be my summer dress, the summer dress that I would wear to the beach with flip flops and with ankle boots to the pub but alas it's sold out. Typical.I don't even like to wear orange especially since I more or less have orange hair so the two don't often mix too well but there is just something I adore about this dress. It could be the simple girly shape, its mini skirt length, or quite possibly it's the fact that the silly print brings back memories of a swimsuit that my sister used to wear when she was five.If anybody hears of one for sale somewhere please let me know!Topshop created this fantastic little fashion film below to promote the collection, look out for the retro orange telephones.

Barbara Hulanicki lookbook TOPSHOP (c)Directed by Kinga Burza
for the dark room @ partizan

Chez Limehouse Magazine

2009-04-27T23:09:00.004+01:00

Limehouse Magazine is the latest freesheet to hit the streets of Dublin with the hope of filling the much needed void within the creative press industry. The magazine is the brainchild of sister duo Katie and Lucy Smyth whose mission is to provide a platform for emerging and established artists, illustrators, musicians, and designers to demonstrate their work. The dynamic duo respond to an interview below.

Photo: Toni Ireton (c)/styled by:Naomi Beauvoir Black

Style-Sphere: What was the impetus for launching a new freesheet magazine in Dublin?
Limehouse Magazine: We had the idea about two years ago, to form a magazine that would be a mixture of many disciplines - art, photography, fashion, writing, etc. We both knew so many creative and talented people who found it hard to find a platform to get their work shown on a wider scale. We thought we'd try and make a platform that combined various types of work. Because we're sisters, we thought it would be nice to work on something together. Thus, Limehouse was formed.

Style-Sphere: What do you hope to achieve with the magazine?
Limehouse: We hope to build a strong sense of community among creatives. To be a way for anyone and everyone to get their ideas and work out there.

Photo: Toni Ireton (c)/Styled by: Naomi Beauvoir Black

Style-Sphere: What was the most exciting thing about launching a new magazine onto the Dublin scene? Tell us a little about the reaction you have received so far?
Limehouse: We had no experience in putting a magazine together, so everything seems exciting to us right now! I guess we were surprised at the positive response we're getting, people seem to love the idea, so that's pretty exciting too.The most exciting thing is the talented contributors we keep coming across, finding new ideas and ways of thinking, new bands, new artists - well how could that not be exciting?

Style-Sphere: What is the ethos of Limehouse Magazine?
Limehouse: The ethos is to be a platform for people to get their work shown on a larger scale, to entertain inform and inspire readers. I guess to document life in a way, without taking ourselves too seriously!

Style-Sphere: What elements inspired you to create the obscure yet quirky content in the magazine?
Limehouse: The content is generally down to our contributors, and what we find interesting and would like to read.

Boy by Tom Meade / Scabgate by Vinny McEntee

Style-Sphere: Can we expect the unexpected in Issue 2?
Limehouse: We want to make each issue fresh and exciting. As we we are just finding our feet in issue one, we hope for issue two to be a bit tighter. We have some great ideas and articles coming in - lets just hope that readers find them as entertaining as we do!

Unisex Menswear

2009-04-22T23:38:00.009+01:00

Regularly I stumble upon online shops with menswear that far surpasses the womenswear collections on offer however, I was happy to discover that Swedish label Odeur define themselves as a unisex menswear collection. The label launched in 2006 and is designed by duo Petter Hollstrom and Anna Lidstrom, it is stocked in several conceptual stores worldwide including; Temporary Showroom (Berlin),Rubber Soul (Oslo), Doshaburi (Barcelona) as well as a stream of stores throughout Sweden and Japan. According to Odeur "All garments are endorsed with the scent of Odeur- an androgynous, clean, white and light scent". I reckon it was imperative that I mention their adept description of this scent which is as follows, “the aroma chosen to represent Odeur is based on a number of visual factors; the clean lines of the clothing with an almost androgynous alien look. By using aromas that stem from the higher scale, the scent of Odeur has become a light, white and clean fragrance. The scent is meant to be clean and unusual, but not a quirky sexual fragrance. It is not gender specific, and the chosen aroma covers all natural elements. It is fresh, clean and modern”-Odeur.

Images from http://www.odeur.se/

It was the crisp white cardigan above that enticed my attention, it is so intelligently constructed with its strategically placed snap fasteners and its asymmetric drape to one side. The nonchalant styling in the lookbook suits the construction of the piece, I like how it is slung loosely over the low crotch black trousers and alternatively styled over white skinny jeans for a preppier look. I would probably wear a long black Isabel Marant linen top underneath and pop a vintage snakeskin belt around the waist for a slightly more feminine take on the look.

Back to Basics

2009-04-20T17:31:00.015+01:00

Dress&leggings@ http://americanapparel.net/
T-shirts by Nakkna@ http://www.weekday.se/
L-R (clockwise)Dress& hoodie@ American Apparel, Jumpers@ Nakkna for Weekday , Zip dress@ Surface to Air

Personally, I find that good basics are always the most difficult part of a wardrobe to source or perhaps I'm just a fusspot, but when it comes to having the perfect black top to layer under a summer dress or when I want to keep my look simple by wearing monochromes, adding basic wear to a wardrobe can be a challenge. Needless to say one can easily find adequate basics from the likes of Primark but when you care about every little design feature or the quality of the fabrics that you wear, then basics matter a hell of a lot. From finding that suitable simple vest that is just long enough to cover love handles, to that slender slip dress that you require to create a layered look, the search for that item can be quite arduous. And once you do discover your love for good quality basics, there is no going back. A basics love affair also exists within menswear but it can prove to be even more complicated because there tends to be an abundance of basics, so choosing the right piece becomes the hard bit. Here are some of the best basics around.Enjoy.

L/R (Clockwise)t-shirts@ Acne ,trenchcoat@ Surface to Air
Unisex shirt@ Slow & Steady Wins the Race

A.P.C trousers @ Tresbienshop

Dark Room Notes - 'Lets's Light Fires'

2009-04-19T23:22:00.003+01:00

Check out this fantastic video from Dublin band Dark Room Notes, the song Lets light Fires is from their newly released album We Love you Dark Matter.I shall be attending their Cork gig in May, can't wait to hear more from this uber-stylish band.

Powder my Nose

2009-04-15T23:34:00.009+01:00

(c) www.elle.com

Forties-esque Hollywood glamour is painted all over the faces of Elie Saabs models for his Fall 2009 collection.The elegantly coiffed hair and the red bouches sit perfectly beside the equally elegant collection of sculpted dresses, cinched in jackets, and low cut gloves.Kudos to the hair and make-up team. All I need now is hairspray and a generous dollop of red lipstick in my pathetic attempt in re-creating this look.

Puppet on a Chain

2009-04-15T18:01:00.008+01:00

The movie Puppet on a Chain based on the thriller novel by Alistair Mac Clean, is an unlikely fashion reference, but I couldn't quite take my eyes off the colourful trench coats, the big hair, and the white knee socks that the actors wear throughout the movie. The male protagonist, a narcotics bureau agent is just as impressive as far as the style stakes are concerned,he carries out his detective duties dressed in a Hedi Slimane esque beaten up biker jacket teamed with a silk cravat, or a sharp suit complete with skinny tie and a suave comb over.Perhaps the seventies aren't so bad afterall.

Pictures (c) http://www.moviescreenshots.blogspot.com/

The Wow in White

2009-04-09T15:47:00.003+01:00

(c)DSM

Check out the Azzedine Alaïa arrival of white dresses in Dover Street Market.I want all four please!

Krazy for KTZ

2009-04-08T13:58:00.013+01:00

Kokon to Zai (KTZ) is the brainchild of super talented duo Sasko Bezovski and Marjan Pejoski who collectively work in the varying fields of fashion design, buying,djing and styling.Each season brings about an even more experimental collection from the innovative London based label, and the current season is no exception taking its inspiration from Blade Runner, and tribal references.The spring summer 09 collection is mega jeweled,overly embellished,colourful, and full of the archetypal KTZ personality, they are the type of clothes that make you want to leap around the streets or dance your socks off. It's couture clubwear for want of a new genre of fashion. What's more, the label won the New Generation award this season so a few select pieces from the collection are stocked in Topshop as part of the Edit concession which also includes: Marios (Italy), Diana Orving (Sweden),Grey Ant(LA) and Starstyling(Berlin) for a limited period only.Also available from

I ordered the tubed leather jacket (pictured below) from last seasons collection and I just adore it, I haven't worn it that much because it's just one of those special pieces. It has a marvellous texture of patented leather with hard leather tubing embossed over the leather to create a 3D like effect. There is a sort of superhero effect in wearing their clothes because of the powerful design execution, every design detail is considered down to the lining of the pockets (see below green stripe lining).

Bless yourself at bedtime

2009-04-06T22:02:00.005+01:00

Bless is a concept driven fashion and art label who are based primarily from Berlin.Their latest print offering is a bedsheet featuring a couple sleeping, so you never have to go to bed alone again!They are 100% satin and are available online from the uber cool online store Farfetch.

clarks-magic-shoes

2009-04-06T15:36:00.006+01:00

Clarks Magic Shoes were the pinnacle of shoe perfection when I was 7 years old. Sadly, I didn't actually own a pair but I did dream of it.I think my Mum ended up buying me the Primark version which needless to say didn't open up any magical land.I wanted them so much, it wasn't just the shoes of course, but the clever advertising that lured little girls into believing that a magical land would await them,the simple insertion of a gold plastic key was all it would take to enter the other realm. Clarks ad campaign just demonstrates the power creative advertising exerts over little girls imaginations and grown up girls memories.To this day I would still like a pair.

Knick Knack Shop

2009-04-04T00:25:00.012+01:00

Shop O.K. in Berlin is a mecca for those who love to stock up on knick knacks. One could even mistake the store for a toyshop or a sweet shop with all its bright colours leaping out from the kitsch window displays.My friend Sarah accompanied me to O.K. store, she collects everything from baby dolls, old photos and robots, to many other miscellaneous oddities. Sarah ended up buying a mini lamp shade, a plastic chicken and a tin robot(check out her quirky
blog:http://www.melikeylikeylikey.blogspot.com//).She was very excited to discover this little store. I on the other hand couldn't decide on what I wanted because it all looked so cute, so I bought a friend a heart shaped bicycle reflector.I look forward to visiting O.K. land again and getting excited over bits and bobs that I probably don't need.They have a great online store where you can nab a cute and inexpensive gift.The Russian Dolls start at €10, the plastic chickens at €3.50, the Masks are €25 and the bottle holder is €20.
See: http://www.okversand.com/

Bold and Beautiful Balmain

2009-04-03T22:05:00.012+01:00

Spring/Summer 2009 Balmain directed by the also beautiful Christophe Decarnin is every fashion lovers dream wardrobe. The infamous razor slashed bleached jeans and studed sandals reference glam rock and punk, while floaty bum dipping dresses maintain the element of femininity. Decarnin suceeds in creating a collection that surpasses all Madonnas eighties dreams whilst also satisfying the palates of those who like to look pretty as well as edgy.Decarnin for Balmain is the forerunner in creating a post modernist eighties fashion movement.I left a gasp when I saw the collection on FTV, oh... I want it all.

Stud Ambition

2009-04-03T20:30:00.012+01:00

I don't always follow trends, but I, like the rest of the fashion press will happily endorse the stud obsession. Studs it seems are the quick and easy method to toughen up your look be it ball gown glamour, party wear, or daywear. All the luxe designers have added studs to their SS/09 collections, see Alice Temperley's odyessey belt and Alexander Wangs studded white dress in the collage above, even Nike are adding a sprinkling of gold studs to their latest limited edition high tops.Givenchy were ahead of the fashion pack with their giant gold studded blazer as worn by Mary-Kate Olsen last season.Look to Axel Rose and Slash for true studding inspiration. Long live chic grunge.

Alice Temperley SS/09

A few of my favorite things

2009-04-02T22:14:00.009+01:00

BRACELET BY: ALEXIS BITTAR COTTON BLAZER BY: TOPSHOP RUFFLE DRESS BY: ISABEL MARANT CHAIN SUEDE BOOTS BY: ISABEL MARANT

I have just put together the first of my coveted summer outfits. I have been searching for an interesting ruffle dress for sometime and discovered this one by Isabel Marant in Dublin boutique Costume last week. One of the girls who owns the shop was wearing hers with a black vest worn underneath, a slouchy knit, and her AF Vandervorst knee boots. I love that idea of hardening up pretty dresses with everyday boots and knits, at least it makes clothes more wearable and justifies spending €400 on a whimsical summer dress. Isabel Marant can recreate casual french chic through her effortless designs . The aesthetic of the label tends to stem from what french girls typically wear on the street, which is the idea of throwing together a look from your bedroom floor. Think leggings, ballet pumps, a floaty white shirt or a smock dress, a printed scarf and finished off with a battered vintage parka. Celebrity followers of the label include; Sofia Coppola, Kirsten Dunst, Jane Birkin and Charlize Theron.

Carin Wester for the Summer

2009-03-15T00:31:00.010Z

A graduate of Beckhams College of design in Stockholm, Carin Wester launched her label in 2003. She was awarded “Newcomer Designer of the year” in 2005 by Swedish Elle magazine. Her collection has gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons and the mens collection is now well incorporated into the label.I first saw one of her lace pieces in Jalouse magazine and I have checked up on the label ever since. It was her AW/08 nautical series that I really fell head over heels for when I viewed the collection at Rendez Vous.I am the proud owner of the Ismeralda black dress and the Iris jersey dress.I will post a photo of one of these at the end of the post.The mens collection is not for the faint hearted man, it takes a brave young man to carry off pink pants but kudos all round if you can! The suiting is exceptional, I love the fact that is understated and a little sloppy, but still manages to be sophisticated in its own non-chalant way.

Weekday store in Sweden began a new project recently called Weekday Extended, whereby they hand -pick a Swedish designer to specially design a limited edition collection. Carin Wester was one of the selected and CW by Carin Wester turned out to be a fun mini collection. I would like to get my hands on the black jersey corset dress, a comfy corset, how is that possible?

My Ismeralda dress.

JE T'AIME

2009-03-14T00:54:00.007Z

Secret d'Amour par Jean Darles and Marilene are two beautiful french love stories from the forties.I found the poor things all covered in dust at a cranky mans market stall in Paris. If only it was possible to produce romance novels today that would span thirty pages, cost pennies, and which still managed to include elegant illustrations.My mission is to read one of these stories d'amour.Un jour.........

Changing Faces: Cindy Sherman

2009-03-13T00:34:00.010Z

American photographer Cindy Sherman is quite frankly a creative genius. She is all in all a one woman show. She takes complete self-portraits, everything from the special effects make-up, lighting, and styling, is all done solely by Sherman. I was so excited the first time I discovered her work. I accidentally visited her exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, and a few years later in 2006, I stumbled upon her retrospective in the Jeu de Paume Gallery, Paris. She has crept in and out of both fashion and film worlds as she pleases; she has art directed a monograph ad for Marc Jacobs shot by Juergen Teller, self styled a photo shoot for French Vogue in 2007, and directed the film Office Killer.Her subject range is vastly diverse and ranges from a clown, a president, a prostitute and Sophia Loren.

Goya for Gold

2009-03-11T20:39:00.018Z

Normally, I'm not a great fan of acidic colours like orange and yellows, however Danish designer Stine Goya has changed my one colour vision after seeing her luminous SS/09 collection. I might just venture away from my signature black. Thankfully she re-introduced gold this season in the form of trousers and accessories, perhaps this was down to the success of that memorable gold dress , a prominent piece from last season. The down tempo prints of polka dot and colour blocking dilute the strong citrus tones perfectly, altogether the collection exudes a wearability that one wouldn't expect from such a design dominant collection. The collection is available from Dublin store Indigo and Cloth or online from the v-store in Denmark.

>

(c)Sacha Maric

Backstage Balenciaga 1989

2009-03-11T16:53:00.003Z

A stylist friend of mine gave me this. I'm not sure where she picked it up, but I think I will frame it, it's such a quirky image, and probably the only vintage make-up poster I have come across. The makeup definitely has an eighties vibe!

Tactile Textiles

2009-03-10T21:41:00.009Z

The interview in my previous post was based on Diana's AW08 collection which is still available to buy online on circusstore.net with a 40% discount! The SS09 collection is just as beautiful and delicate as former collections, I viewed it during PFW in the Swedish showroom 0046. The prints in her current collection are inspired by her working environment and her choice of fabrics come in a selection of diaphanous silk chiffons and soft summer jerseys.

Diana Orving created the most enthralling textile exhibition at the Nordic Light Hotel in Stockholm, a collection of the most exquisite fabrics hang in the lobby of the hotel and decorate selected rooms. Her draping techniques are simply genius.

Diana Orving:The Drape Expert

2009-03-10T17:43:00.013Z

(1) When did you decide to pursue fashion design?
Actually, I never did. It just happened. My ambition was to become a dancer or choreographer . The fashion design was only an interest. I started to sell handmade one-offs to small boutiques in Stockholm, when I was 15 years old. Then I hurt my knees and I realised I wouldn’t be able to work with dance. I created more and more clothes and got really good responses from stylists and media. I guess I got more and more interested in what I created and also found ways of integrating my influences from literature, dance and art into my work. Two years ago I decided to take it more serious and started with production. I started to work with agents in Japan, USA and Canada, so it feels really exciting that my clothes are now being sold outside Sweden. Swedes have a great sense for fashion, but the market is too small for good quality avant- garde brands.

(2) How does living in Sweden effect your work?
I think Sweden is quite calm and sometimes a boring place. Being bored is sometimes really good for your creativity. At the moment I really love Stockholm and I am not bored at all. I work in a wonderful studio in central Stockholm, which I share with 40 other artists, writers, photographers and designers. I get really inspired by all those creative and talented people. There are vernissage parties, book launches and clubbing almost every night, so you need to be really disciplined to keep focused on your work!…But I work constantly and love it.

(3) Draping appears to be a recurrent theme throughout your SS 08 collection, where does this design technique originate?
I have no formal education, so I didn’t learn any of the rules when I started creating clothes, I developed my own techniques. The method of creating directly on living bodies rather than on paper is essential for me. I always get inspired by bodies and their movements. I think that in some kind of a way that I make clothes that encourage movement, every piece should ask for altering. Often when using the draping technique the result can never be directly cut out or even closely foreseen. Instead it’s a paradoxical process of constantly improvising and following the fabrics own characteristics.

(4) Is there a story behind the beautiful print that you used in the SS/08 collection?
The print visualise my process that I explained in the previous question. When I start a new shape I work with fabric and drape it on a mannequin, on a friend, or on myself. The prints are photos of some of my draping experiments. I like the way people first think the print is a big flower, then, they look closer and realise it is something else…..

(5) Mannequin Neutral and The Seven Person Costume are your two previous art installations, do you plan to create more in the future?
Yes, definitely. During the process of my AW/08 collection I worked with actresses from the Swedish Royal Dramatic Theatre. I organised workshops where we talked, wrote, and improvised. Instead of having an ordinary fashion show they showed the collection on stage. I draw inspiration from personal stories, expressed in the way that all people stage their personal persona whether they have formulated an interest in fashion or not. Fashion is interesting because everyone can relate to it. Fashion is about dreams and shortcomings.

(6) Who is your favorite designer/artist?
My favorite artists are Sophie Calle and Louise Bourgeouise. I love their work!

Interview by Ciara O Donovan (Style-Sphere)

Catwalk Chic

2009-03-09T16:15:00.004Z

I received this quirkey little card from my friends lately and I couldn't quite get those stylish kitties out of my head. Of course, the phenomenon is the brainchild of a Japanese artist called Satoru Tsuda who became inspired after rescuing four kittens from the streets. He figured that the kittens could represent the similar social interactions that occur between humans and thus the 'Nameneko' cat was born. Nameneko by the way, stands for "don't bullshit me". The shoots were constructed exactly the same as a real life photo shoot, all the sets are handmade, and everything down to the lights is one sixth of its original size. Ad poster campaigns follwed with the Nameneko cats being used in political campaigns, Coca Cola ads, and even the Police force. The kittens modelling life is short and they usually retire before growing into an adult cat which isn't unlike the current fashion model industry...

www.nameneko.com

Boots for all seasons

2009-03-09T00:14:00.005Z

Minimarket has created yet another fantastic pair of boots, the swedish sister trio have come up trumps again this season with their SS/09 edition of last winters success. I bought my pair from Swedish online store tresbienshop.net and wore them through the whole winter until I bought my new favorite AF Vandervorst ankle boots (that is another story). But back to the Minimarket boots, they have created ones with zips up the back instead of laces and they come in a choice of black, blue, or green. I can't love these boots enough, they survived trudging through Paris fashion week last season and attracted many long gazes as well as questions, from the adoring fashion crowd. One sales agent from London label Ashish even bought the last pair from tresbienshop after spotting them on me. So get in fast and buy yourself a pair of those summer booties.

And below me wearing my minimarket booties with a Camilla Staerk dress.

Forever til death do us part...

2009-03-08T17:42:00.002Z

The fashion economists are trying to promote the new it bag otherwise known as the forever bag because well, with a price tag of €1000 upwards it should last you for the rest of your fashionable life. There is no point it seems in spending the odd €50 on a handbag in Topshop, or a few hundred on a decent one from All Saints, because in the end it all adds up. So instead, the advice is to fork out on the classic bag of your dreams, be it the latest chanel reissued edition, or a slouchy Miu Miu bucket bag, the choice to splurge your savings on a possible long term purchase is yours. I got my hands on a navy Chanel bag from the 1980's, it has a really unusual corner pocket which I haven't seen around that much. However, I didn't quite splash my savings on the bag, I offered to babysit a friends kids for free in exchange for her Chanel bag!